A 10-year-old boy from Gugulethu is recovering in hospital after being rescued from the surf at Rocklands Beach in Sea Point during Thursday’s Spring high tide.
ALSO READ | Tragic ending to fishing outing at Tietiesbaai
Emergency services were activated at 16:49 following reports of bystander CPR efforts on the child, who had been swept off nearby rocks by powerful waves while sitting with his older brother, aged 13.
Their father was reportedly close by at the time of the incident.
Swept Away by Sudden Wave Surge
The child was knocked into the water unexpectedly, while his brother narrowly escaped being pulled in.
The incident unfolded in front of surfers and promenade bystanders, who quickly alerted emergency services and rushed to assist.
An unidentified Good Samaritan entered the water in an attempt to help the boy.
At the same time, 21-year-old surfer Devon Coombe, from Kenilworth, responded after being alerted by his fellow surfers.
Recognising the severity of the situation, Coombe paddled out on his surfboard and reached the child and the Good Samaritan, who was struggling to keep the boy’s head above water.
Heroic Surfer Saves the Day
Coombe managed to pull the child onto his surfboard and paddled him back to shore, where resuscitation efforts were immediately started by bystanders.
Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services were first to arrive on the scene, confirming that all individuals were out of the water.
The boy, while conscious and breathing, was in serious condition and receiving medical assistance on the beach when NSRI, WC Government EMS, police, ER24, Netcare 911, and other emergency services arrived.
He was later transported to hospital by Netcare 911 ambulance and is now in serious but stable condition, under medical care.
Emergency Response and Community Praise
The NSRI and the City of Cape Town’s water rescue network responded swiftly, with rescue boats prepared for launch and Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS) on alert in case further search efforts were required.
Authorities praised the coordinated response and the quick-thinking actions of Good Samaritans, especially Coombe and the unidentified man who initially attempted the rescue.
“These individuals’ bravery and swift actions undoubtedly saved a young life,” said NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon.
“They exemplify the very best of community spirit and courage.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by spring high tides and coastal conditions, particularly around rocky areas.
